Phelps/Hunt-Wa Elk Hunting Q&A

[JPhelps]

I would be up there scouting during archery and trying to build a short list of bulls you would like to kill.  If any legal bull is what you are after I would probably concentrate on the clearcuts and cover ground.   If the bull you want is in the deep stuff than that is where I would go.

How many others have that tag?

The elk should be very vocal that time of year and I would definitely try and locate using location bugles.

[Backstrap]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. There are 3 other Toutle early rifle tags besides myself. So lots of room to spread out, especially if the tree farm is open. But it's a lot of ground to cover as far as scouting goes, other than just driving it, which I've already done. One theory I'm woking with is to scout the bow season hunters... More rigs at a gate has to tell you something, right? That said I'm open to other ideas too! Thanks again! Rodger

[ELKBURGER]

Jason, rumor has it you will be doing a calling seminar at XXX on the 18th, is this accurate???

[JPhelps]

 

Yep. Cory is having me back to put on another seminar at his shop on July 18th starting at 8:00 pm.

[ELKBURGER]

Yep. Cory is having me back to put on another seminar at his shop on July 18th starting at 8:00 pm.

Awesome!

[Nice Racks]

Jason,

          I only have one area that I actually know and the bulls have been pretty hard to locate this year. I heard a rumor that most bulls in that area were shot last year, but I did come across a nice 6x5 that obviously survived.  I had pics of quite a few spikes last year that should be legal this season, but they are hard to find also. The area has a ton of cows and spikes. If there are only a few legal bulls in the area to tend all those cows, how would you hunt them? Are the bulls less likely to respond to calling due to all of the "candy" available or would they be curious as to who that other guy is and come in to check him out?

[JPhelps]

Are the elk there to stay or do these elk migrate?
Where are the cows?  Find the cows nearby and the bulls will go to them.

I approach all bulls the same to start. Locate them using glass or bugle. Then get in close. Assuming that 5x6 is a mature bull I would be aggressive, but I'm aggressive with all of my setups though.

Give me a little more info and I may be able to provide some more detail.

[Nice Racks]

Yea, I'd say the 6x5 is mature. I posted a pic of him on the trail cam thread under "Finally". The elk there basically stay in the same area which is around 8,000 acres. Finding cows there is relatively easy, and the bulls were too last season; had 5 shooters by this time last year. I have water holes, wallows the "steep and deep" and "thick and nasty" areas located. Hunting pressure is pretty light too. I found trails that are actually 4 feet wide. No doubt I'll be in elk, but I'd prefer a bull.

[xXLojackXx]

Jason,

For $50 and a high five will you call for me while I sneak in? The quicker we get it done, the faster you can go back to killing your own masher bull 

[scottcrb]

So being new to the game . From what I know animals like to be on north facing slopes right? Is it better to be on the north facing slope as well or on the south facing slope so.u can glass across and devise a stalking plan ?

[JPhelps]

So being new to the game . From what I know animals like to be on north facing slopes right? Is it better to be on the north facing slope as well or on the south facing slope so.u can glass across and devise a stalking plan ?

Elk typically feed on the south slopes and bed on the north slopes, but this rule of thumb is broken all the time. In my opinion this is more accurate for mountainous habitat.  Along with water and bedding they need to have water daily.  I like to look for areas with all three. How I hunt them depends on time of day, wind, elk activity, etc...

In the Foothills where logging is more prevalent (feed on all slopes) and water is everywhere they are where you find them.

[Damnimissed]

Jason, I'm wanting to get a diaphragm call for locating elk. I was wondering if they would work with me having a partial, which fits in the roof of my mouth? Or will I have to take my teeth out, and will that cause any problems? Also, what call do you recommend for locating early muzzloader Rosies?

Thanks - Ron

[JPhelps]

Jason, I'm wanting to get a diaphragm call for locating elk. I was wondering if they would work with me having a partial, which fits in the roof of my mouth? Or will I have to take my teeth out, and will that cause any problems? Also, what call do you recommend for locating early muzzloader Rosies?

Thanks - Ron

It really depends on the partial. Some guys can and some can't.

For early muzzleloader season I would use the signature locator diaphragm and the EZEstrus played at a loud volume.

[Damnimissed]

Cool, thanks

[Pny365]

I drew the peaches ridge bull tag. Rifle. I've hunted the blue mtn. Since I was a child. I've never hunted the cascade's. Was looking to hunt the chinook pass side of the unit. Any tips or info would be great. I've been reading forums for peaches ridge but most have been for archery.